Council will ask for public input on changes to discharge of firearms law

The Bonner Springs City Council will have a special session for public input before determining what areas should be added to current boundaries where the discharge of firearms is not permitted.

After discussing the matter in a workshop prior to its regular meeting Monday and hearing from several property owners with large lots, the council decided to have another workshop prior to one of its regular meetings dedicated to the discharge of firearms ordinance to allow for more public input. The council tentatively set that workshop for 6 p.m. Nov. 28.

The workshop would only be for public input; Mayor Clausie Smith said a decision on what changes to make to the ordinance likely would not be made until a later meeting.

The council began discussing the issue earlier this month at the request of council member Eric Freeman, who had received several complaints from constituents about gunfire near their homes. Upon studying the map of areas where the discharge of firearms is not permitted, except for when protecting property, the council found the discharge of firearms was still permitted in many areas that now are more developed.

For more about the discussion at Monday's meeting, check this week's edition of The Chieftain or watch bonnersprings.com.